Silver Creek Circuit is a 13.5 km, grade 3 hike in Kinglake National Park, Victoria, typically taking around four hours to complete. Walked as a circuit, this route links together the outer sections of the park’s suggested Silver Creek loop walks, creating a longer and more varied experience through the forested slopes of the Great Dividing Range.
The track follows a mix of vehicle management roads and formed walking tracks, with several steady climbs that provide a moderate challenge and get the heart rate up. While there are no major viewpoints, the walk is pleasantly shaded for much of its length and offers a quiet, immersive bushwalking experience among tall forest and ferny gullies.
Roughly halfway along the circuit you will reach Wallaby Cascades, a gentle series of cascades that are well worth a short detour, particularly after rain. It is a good spot to pause and enjoy the sounds of running water before continuing on.
The circuit can be walked in either a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, with no clear advantage to either, so it really comes down to personal preference. If you are short on time, the colour coded loop options shown on the information board at the trailhead allow you to choose one of the shorter walks within the Silver Creek track network.
Signage along the route was very good at the time of writing, making navigation straightforward, however it is still recommended to carry a map so you can confidently identify the correct junctions as you go.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 13546 m
Max elevation: 511 m
Min elevation: 330 m
Total climbing: 744 m
Total descent: -745 m
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Getting to the trailhead: Kinglake National Park.
Kinglake National Park is located around 65 km north east of Melbourne. There are several ways to reach the park from Melbourne, including via the Melba Highway from Yarra Glen or Glenburn, the Heidelberg Kinglake Road from St Andrews, or the Whittlesea Yea Road from Whittlesea. For access to the Silver Creek area, follow the Whittlesea Yea Road north towards Flowerdale. Approximately 13.5 km from the junction with the Whittlesea Kinglake Road, turn left onto Silver Creek Road. Follow this road for about 1.5 km to reach the park entrance and car park.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Kinglake National Park sits on the traditional Country of the Taungurung and Wurundjeri Peoples, whose connection to this landscape stretches back thousands of years. Visiting the park offers not only time in nature, but also an opportunity to acknowledge and respect the long history of people who have cared for this country.
Set along the slopes of the Great Dividing Range, Kinglake National Park is an easy drive from Melbourne yet feels a world away once you are among the forested ridgelines. The park is known for its mix of tall eucalypt forest, fern gullies and open ridges, with many walking tracks and picnic areas scattered throughout. On clear days, elevated points within the park offer sweeping outlooks across Melbourne, Port Phillip Bay, the Yarra Valley and even as far as the You Yangs.
Wildlife is a constant presence here, especially birdlife. Sulphur-crested Cockatoos are often heard before they are seen, while patient walkers may spot Superb Lyrebirds scratching through the leaf litter. King Parrots and colourful rosellas are also common, adding movement and colour to the forest. For those who enjoy riding, Bowden Spur is a popular mountain biking destination, with a challenging downhill trail that features rock gardens, dirt jumps, flowing berms and off camber sections that reward confident riders.
Mount Sugarloaf is another highlight and easily reached by car. From the top, the surrounding forest drops away to reveal broad views back towards the city skyline, offering a striking contrast between bushland and suburbia. It is a good place to pause, take photos or enjoy a quiet moment before heading back into the trees.
Picnic and barbecue areas are dotted throughout the park, often set among tall eucalypts that provide welcome shade. Masons Falls is a short walk from its nearby picnic area and is one of the park’s most popular stops. Here, water spills over sheer mudstone walls formed from ancient fossilised sea beds, creating a dramatic drop into the gully below, particularly after rain.
For those wanting to stay longer, The Gums Camping Area offers a peaceful base within tall eucalypt forest beside a gentle mountain stream. It is suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers, making it a comfortable option for an overnight stay or a relaxed weekend exploring the many tracks and attractions of Kinglake National Park.
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Kinglake National Park? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
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8 Reviews on “Silver Creek Circuit Kinglake Hike (13.5km)”
A large portion of the South-West side is now prohibited entry – I think it’s the yellow track. You can still make your way back without having to repeat any extra of the route but it does lose roughly. 2KM.
As Philip said, a lot of trees have fallen over past the Cascades section. They’re okay to walk through but I’d recommend long-sleeve shirt and pants for all the bushes, expect to be doing some duck walking under fallen branches.
Walked this today. Map at entry was easy to understand and coloured pointers on trail posts were good. Range of flora was interesting. Some clearing of fallen trees from winter storms was evident with a little more needed. We enjoyed it,. We walked the red, yellow and orange trails combined which took about 4 hours.
I walked this in the last year. It was worthwhile but the steep fire trail sections were a little tiresome _ could see the potential for pleasant graded walking track.
I walked this last weekend. The Cascades section has a number of fallen trees across the trail – is almost impassable. The other loops are clear.